"Nightmare" is an
instrumental composition written, produced, and performed by Italian dance musician
Brainbug, released as his debut single. The track was first issued as a single on 25 November 1996 and was re-released in the United Kingdom on 21 April 1997. Following this re-release, the song became a chart hit, reaching number 11 in the United Kingdom, number 14 in Australia, and number 15 in Ireland.
In November 1997, the song was re-issued as a double A-side with Brainbug's next single, "Benedictus", this time reaching number 24 on the
UK Singles Chart and number 25 on the
Irish Singles Chart. Critically, "Nightmare" was highly praised.[1] In Australia, it was ranked at number 85 on the
Triple J Hottest 100 of 1997.[3]
Critical reception
Richard D of music website 909 Originals wrote that "Nightmare" was one of the most "sinister"
dance tracks to become a chart hit while British columnist
James Masterton wrote that the instrumental "owes more to
the Sisters of Mercy than anything else", calling it a "chilling combination of strings and techo beats."[1][2]
^
abNightmare (Italian 12-inch single vinyl disc).
Brainbug. Strike Force. 1996. SF 496-04.{{
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^Nightmare (UK 12-inch single vinyl disc). Brainbug. Additive Records. 1996. 12AD 007.{{
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^Nightmare (UK & Australian CD single liner notes). Brainbug.
Positiva Records. 1997. CDTIV-76, 7243 8 83892 2 8.{{
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^Nightmare (UK 12-inch single vinyl disc). Brainbug. Positiva Records. 1997. 12TIV-76, 7243 8 83892 6 6.{{
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^Nightmare (UK cassette single sleeve). Brainbug. Positiva Records. 1997. TCTIV-76, 7 2438 8 38924 2.{{
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^Nightmare (US maxi-CD single liner notes). Brainbug. Groovilicious. 1997. GM027CD.{{
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^Nightmare (US 12-inch single vinyl disc). Brainbug. Groovilicious. 1997. GM 027.{{
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^Nightmare (US 12-inch single vinyl disc). Brainbug. Groovilicious. 1997. GM 032.{{
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^Benedictus / Nightmare (Italian 12-inch single vinyl disc). Brainbug. Volumex. 1997. VOL 197-08.{{
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^Benedictus / Nightmare (UK 12-inch single vinyl disc). Brainbug. Positiva Records. 1997. 12TIV-86, 7243 8 84883 6 5.{{
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^Benedictus / Nightmare (UK CD single liner notes). Brainbug. Positiva Records. 1997. CDTIV-86, 7243 8 84883 2 7.{{
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^Benedictus / Nightmare (UK cassette single sleeve). Brainbug. Positiva Records. 1997. TCTIV-86.{{
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